Who is the Richest Comedian in Nigeria?

The entertainment industry is thriving on the African continent. Various musicians, actors, artists and performers are making a living as entertainers. An industry that continues to gain more attention and support across the continent is comedy.

The comedy industry continues to grow steadily all over the African continent.

In Nigeria, the most populous country on the African continent, the name Basketmouth is arguably the most popular when it comes to the comedy scene. Born Bright Okpocha in Lagos, Nigeria, Basketmouth is the most commercially successful comedian from Nigeria. He’s also reputedly Nigeria’s funniest comic and has toured around the world, garnering more success and fame.

Despite this, he’s believed to be the second richest comedian in Nigeria.

So, that begs the question, who is the richest comedian in Nigeria?

The name Ali Baba may not be familiar to many people, but this eccentric comedian is known as the father of Nigerian Comedy.

Ali Baba is often cited as the source of inspiration behind the success of many other Nigerian comedians, who can charge N4 million per event.

With a net worth estimated to be over $15 million, Ali Baba, (real name Atunyota Alleluya Akporo Bomerere) also invests in real estate and various business activities. He is currently the richest comedian in Nigeria.

He started stand-up comedy in Ekpoma in 1987 and arrived in Lagos in 1990 to practise comedy professionally.

Going against his father’s wishes for him to become a lawyer, Ali Baba registered a company in 1998 and erected three billboards in strategic locations around the city of Lagos.

The billboards, which read: “Ali Baba – Being Funny is Serious Business” kickstarted his career.

He has commented: “I chose to pursue a career in comedy, which was in contrast to my father’s dream for me. Today, I am a billionaire and I have made people billionaires.”